Holy Monastery of Agios Athanasios in Zikovitsa
Monastery of Saint Athanasios in Zikovitsa: A Spiritual Center of History and Cultural Heritage
The Holy Monastery of Saint Athanasios in Zikovitsa, located between the villages of Spilios (Zikovista), Kerasona, and Agios Ilias in the region of Kastoria, stands as one of the most significant religious and historical landmarks of Western Macedonia. Founded in 1629, it quickly grew into a prominent monastic center, particularly noted for its unique architectural features. The original monastic complex included 30 monastic cells, an abbot’s residence, large reception halls, storage areas, and was partially fortified with thick stone walls on the north and west sides, giving it a defensive, fortress-like character. At the heart of the courtyard stands the catholicon, dedicated to Saint Athanasios of Alexandria, a single-nave domed church adorned with remarkable frescoes.
The church's interior is decorated with frescoes painted in 1785 by iconographers Michael Chionaditis and Dimitrios Bormoutziotis. These exquisite works depict scenes from the lives of the saints and the Dormition of the Theotokos, showcasing the artistic excellence of the late post-Byzantine period. The monastery once owned significant property, including farmland, vineyards, forests, and livestock facilities, along with two watermills. Notably, it also played a crucial educational role: in 1872, a Seminary (Scholarchio) was established and operated until 1885, training students who later became priests and teachers.
During the Macedonian Struggle, the monastery served as a base for Greek fighters. In 1905, however, it suffered serious destruction due to Bulgarian attacks, with fires damaging the buildings and storage facilities. Despite this, the main church survived. Since 1918, the monastery has belonged to the Metropolis of Sisani and Siatista, and in 1976, it was declared a Protected Historical Monument. In 2011, monastic life was revived with the arrival of a new sisterhood, who have since reestablished the monastic rhythm and operate iconography and fresco painting workshops.
The Monastery of Saint Athanasios in Zikovitsa remains a living monument of faith and history, offering spiritual guidance while preserving the cultural heritage of Western Macedonia. With its rich legacy and the dedication of its nuns, it continues to be a point of reference for both the local community and visiting pilgrims.
Information
Holy Monastery of Agios Athanasios in Zikovitsa, Agios Ilias, Argos Orestiko, Kastoria, 52200
Phone: +302467300301
Opening Hours: Daily, morning and afternoon
Highlights
• Katholicon (Main Church). The only preserved building of the original monastery, a prime example of post-Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture with a single-nave domed structure and richly decorated interior from the 18th century.
• Iconography and Frescoes. The frescoes painted in 1785 by Michael Chionaditis and Dimitrios Bormoutziotis depict scenes from the lives of Christ, the Theotokos, prophets, and saints, expressed with elegance and depth.
• Narthex Frescoes. Including scenes of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Crucifixion, and Lamentation, along with a depiction of the monastery’s founding monks, Ananias and Iakovos, who sponsored the fresco work.
• Exterior Architecture. Featuring remarkable domes, a pitched roof, and expertly constructed masonry walls of traditional stonework.
• Remnants of Defensive Structures. Parts of the monastic enclosure still survive, particularly sections of the western wall and strong stonework that reflect the fortified design of the original complex.
• Restoration Works & Historical School. The catholicon was officially listed as a historic monument in 1976, followed by major restoration projects. The monastery also hosted a school from 1872 to 1885, contributing significantly to education in the region.
• New Constructions & Iconography Workshop. Modern buildings now house the contemporary monastic community and host iconography and fresco painting workshops, continuing the monastery’s artistic and spiritual legacy.